Valyrian Steel, renowned for its unparalleled strength and mystical properties, is a rare metal originating from the ancient city of Valyria. This extraordinary material has been crafted into legendary weapons throughout Westeros, capable of vanquishing formidable foes like the White Walkers. The Valyrian Steel Catspaw Dagger, for instance, played a pivotal role in the defeat of the Night King in Game of Thrones. In the series House of the Dragon, several great houses continue to wield these iconic weapons, with Aegon II even donning a full set of Valyrian Steel armor. Let’s delve into some of the most notable Valyrian steel swords that may make an appearance in House of the Dragon.
Dark Sister
Dark Sister stands as one of the most illustrious Valyrian steel swords in Westeros. Initially wielded by Visenya, the sister-wife of Aegon the Conqueror, this sword has been passed down through generations of notable Targaryens, including Prince Aemon the Dragonknight and Brynden “Bloodraven” Rivers. In House of the Dragon, Dark Sister is in the hands of Prince Daemon Targaryen. Daemon famously used Dark Sister in numerous battles, notably during the Battle Above the Gods Eye, where he drove the sword into Aemond Targaryen’s eye.
Nightfall
Nightfall, a Valyrian steel longsword, is the prized possession of House Harlaw. Adorned with a moonstone pommel, it is currently wielded by Ser Harras Harlaw in the “A Song of Ice and Fire” novels. Nightfall has been instrumental in many battles, contributing to Ser Harras’s victories. The sword’s origins with House Harlaw remain shrouded in mystery. Initially owned by Lord Dalton Greyjoy, known as the Red Kraken, Nightfall was claimed from a fallen corsair. Lord Dalton, a significant figure in Fire and Blood, has been referenced in House of the Dragon. His exploits in the Westerlands and against Lord Jason Lannister suggest a potential appearance in Season 3, possibly wielding Nightfall.
Lady Forlorn
Lady Forlorn, the ancestral Valyrian steel sword of House Corbray, is distinguished by its heart-shaped ruby pommel and smoke-grey blade. This sword has a storied past, having been wielded in numerous pivotal battles, including the Battle of the Seven Stars. It has been a symbol of House Corbray’s legacy, passed down through generations. During the Dance of the Dragons, Ser Corwyn Corbray wielded Lady Forlorn. In Fire and Blood, Rhaena Targaryen’s affection for Ser Corwyn suggests that both he and Lady Forlorn may feature in House of the Dragon.
Longclaw
Longclaw, a Valyrian steel bastard sword, served as the ancestral weapon of House Mormont for centuries. It was bestowed upon Jon Snow by Jeor Mormont as a token of gratitude for saving his life from a wight. Before gifting it to Jon, the pommel was redesigned to depict a direwolf, the emblem of House Stark. Longclaw played a crucial role in Jon’s battles against the White Walkers. Although Bear Island is under Winterfell’s jurisdiction, the Northmen’s involvement in the Dance of the Dragons is limited to Cregan Stark’s Winter Wolves. This makes Longclaw’s appearance in House of the Dragon uncertain, yet its legendary status leaves room for possibility.
Red Rain
Red Rain, another Valyrian steel sword, belongs to House Drumm. It was famously seized by Hilmar Drumm, known as “Hilmar the Cunning,” from an armored knight using only a wooden cudgel, enhancing its legendary status. Some speculate that Red Rain once belonged to House Reyne, whose sigil is a red lion. House Reyne was famously annihilated by Tywin Lannister, inspiring the song ‘The Rains of Castamere.’ During the Dance of the Dragons, House Reyne was still in existence. Martin Reyne, a member of this house and a companion of Aegon, later joined his Kingsguard. This connection suggests that Red Rain might appear in House of the Dragon, possibly in the hands of a Reyne family member.
